Merkel gives good news to Western Balkan countries, can benefit Kosovo

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that fundamental rights, cohesion, climate protection, digitalisation and the role of the EU in the world will be the priorities of the German presidency of the EU Council.

“Fokus will be in the prospect of the Western Balkans' accession,” said Merkel introducing the German Presidency programme before the European Parliament in Brussels.

She stressed that within the EU's foreign policy framework, official Berlin will do everything in its power in order to focus on accession conferences.

“We should engage in talks with northern Macedonia and Albania and continue the prospect of accession to the Western Balkans,”, Merkel announced.

The German Chancellor said a strong and foreign security policy of the EU would be one of Berlin's priorities in the next six months.

“Europe must rely more on itself and take its future into its own hands in this rapidly changing world,” said Merkel.

She stressed that the main EU partner in the world will remain the United Kingdom, but also that talks on future relations between Brussels and London should be accelerated.

“Conversations are progressing slowly. We will do everything to achieve a good solution, but we must prepare for a scenario in which there will be no deal with Great Britain by the end of the year,” warned Merkel.

In the foreign policy field, Merkel paid particular attention to EU relations with Africa, transatlantic relations and EU relations with China.

Merkel cited human rights as the most important value in Europe as the top priority of the German presidency. It stresses that European citizens should feel free in the field of politics, as well as religion and culture.

“Human rights, freedoms, no discrimination, equality are all ethical pillars of the EU and must be implemented for all,” said Merkel.

She reiterated that because of the COVID19 pandemic, Europe is currently going through the worst crisis since its beginning, with the economy taking a heavy hit, and citizens worried about the consequences and livelihoods.

She says the top “ ” priority of the German presidency will be unity in Europe and construction of a stable and stronger Europe.

“Europe will emerge from this stronger crisis if we overcome differences, share responsibility, strengthen cohesion and solidarity,” said Merkel.

The German Chancellor added that the European Union needs a quick deal for a multi-year joint budget and recovery fund for recovery, and that extraordinary times require extraordinary solidarity among member states.

“I hope for an agreement before the summer break, but this will require compromises on all sides. Europe is capable of being together and united”, Merkel concluded.